Nominations open for Distinguished Alumnus; changes to criteria

The Distinguished Alumnus Award, jointly presented by The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University, annually recognizes former students who through their distinction in their chosen field of endeavor, selfless service to society, and dedication and loyalty to the university, exemplify the core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. View past honorees here.

No more than 12 former students are selected each year from a pool of nominations submitted by the former student or others on their behalf. To increase the pool of eligible and qualified nominees, The Association’s Board of Directors formed a committee in 2023 to determine ways the nomination process could be improved, making nominations more accessible and streamlined. The Association also placed an emphasis on marketing and communication efforts to campus partners as well as Clubs and Constituent Networks to increase awareness of nominations and encourage submissions.

To submit a nomination, the nominator now only needs to submit a nomination letter/letter of recommendation as well as a resume or CV. The nomination package can include more materials that would be relevant to the application (for example, multiple letters of recommendation), but only a nomination letter and a resume are required. Previously, nominators were required to submit at least three letters of recommendation as well as three supporting documents, such as news articles detailing the nominee’s achievements.

Additionally, the criteria regarding who can be nominated was expanded. For example, now faculty and staff who have been employed by Texas A&M for more than 40 years can be nominated. See all criteria for nominees here.

With these adjustments, The Association hopes to continue increasing the nomination pool, according to Marty Holmes ’87, vice president of The Association.

“The goal is to enrich and increase the pool of eligible and qualified Aggies,” Holmes said. “A quarter of the honorees for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni class were first-time nominees.”

Each Distinguished Alumnus nomination is kept for at least five years from the time of nomination, with nominations being accepted throughout the year. To be considered for the 2026 cohort, nominations need to be submitted by Aug. 31, 2025. If a nomination package isn’t changed or modified after five years, The Association will contact the nominator and ask if they’d like to keep their nomination in the pool.

Learn more about the nomination process and submit a nomination at tx.ag/DANominations.

Submit a nomination